Gary A. Strong, 72

Gary Arnold “Gus” Strong, 72, passed away on Oct. 15, 2026, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

Gary was born on Oct. 30, 1953, in Plymouth, the son of Riley F. “Dick” Strong and Sarah Saulinier Strong. He had two brothers, Robert Strong and Richard Strong, and two sisters, Cindy Strong Riess and Bonnie Strong.

A lifelong resident of Campton, Gary attended schools in the Campton-Plymouth area and graduated from Plymouth High School. On Aug. 7, 1999, he married Donna (Tower) Ramsay, and together they made their home in Campton. Gary became a stepfather to Donna’s sons, Kristopher and Ryan, when they were very young. He took great pride in his relationship with them and was immensely proud of the men they became and their accomplishments.

Gary was a lifelong lumberjack who owned and operated his own business, Gary Strong Logging, for more than 50 years. Logging was one of his greatest passions. He loved spending his days in the woods, surrounded by nature, and took pride in providing firewood to his loyal customers year after year, knowing his work was valued and appreciated. During mud season, Gary also worked for CC&C Rigging, traveling throughout the United States to perform industrial rigging work. He was known for his exceptional work ethic and dedication to his work.

Gary was a fifth-degree black belt in taekwondo (TKD) in both world and international TKD studies. His rank and dedication earned him the title of “sensei.” Through the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Program, he taught students ranging in age from 5 to 85, welcoming individuals of all skill levels. He took great pride in teaching martial arts and sharing his knowledge with others. Even after medical issues prevented him from continuing the rigorous training required to teach classes, many of those relationships endured. To this day, some of his former students still greet him as “sensei,” offering a respectful bow when they encounter him on the street or at the store. Gary also explored other martial arts styles to expand his knowledge and experience, appreciating the value of each discipline and incorporating what he learned into his own self-defense techniques.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert Strong, and his sister Bonnie Strong.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Donna Ramsay-Strong; his stepsons, Kristopher Ramsay and his wife Kimberly, and Ryan Ramsay and his wife Jessica; his sister, Cindy Strong Riess, and her husband Pat; his brother, Richard Strong, and his wife Diane; his two grandsons, Thomas Ramsay and Quinn Ramsay; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gary’s life from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Elks Lodge, located at 1159 Route 175, Holderness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Dupuis Funeral Home, in Ashland, is assisting the family with arrangements.